hotairballoonist

Despite the rain, we had another terrific balloon festival this year! Most of the balloons launched on Saturday night and they all went up on Sunday morning. The fireworks lit up the sky on Friday night and two of the balloons held a "mini-Glow" on Saturday night after the Taste of Cambridge. If you stayed in because of the rain - you missed out! Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, and visitors. Hats off to the community organizations that held activities throughout the weekend - especially the Lions Club with the first-ever Balloon Festival Auto Show! Click here for our THANK YOU CARD! A special thank you to our featured pilots (Russ, Bill, Mike, Rob, Ron, Dave, Glenn, Penny, Mark P) and our Balloon Meister Mark Donahue! We are already looking forward to the 13th Annual Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival! Mark your calendars for June 7-9, 2013.

The Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair has become a major four day event since it was created by merging the former Hillsborough Firemen's Weekend and Hillsborough Balloon Festival. Recently, an Artist's Fair has been established during Balloon Festival weekend, sponsored by the Hillsborough Area Artisans. The Hometown Parade on Sunday has grown to include many civic groups with marching bands, floats, military personnel and a wide assortment of fire apparatus from all over New Hampshire. But the thrill of the weekend are the Hot Air Balloons piloted and crewed by regional balloon enthusiasts. Balloon flights over New Hampshire's beautiful Monadnock Region are available to the general public along with tethered flights for the more cautious.

Balloon Fest Celebrating its 28th year! More than 25,000 spectators will have the opportunity to experience approximately 25 of these magical giants close-up as part of the ever popular Balloon Fest. Anyone interested may attend this free event at Bulldog Field, 1100 North Freedom Boulevard, Provo. Balloons will be flying each morning from 6:30-8 a.m., July 3 and 4. The event offers families and children the privilege of walking around the balloons as they inflate. Make sure and arrive at 6:30am to see the balloons inflate. Keeping in the tradition of the Balloon Fest, pilots will again participate in the Hare and the Hound competition where “hound” balloons try to drop bean bags onto a target laid out by the “hare.” They can obtain additional points through jousting as they attempt to pop large balloons with sharp sticks 200 to 300 feet above the ground. Top pilots from around the nation come to compete in this unique and difficult event. The majority of the Balloon Fest committee have been working together since the inception of this event 28 years ago. Our thanks go out to these wonderful long-term volunteers!! Chairperson(s): Bill Talbot - wtalbot@q.com. JOIN THIS EVENT ON FACEBOOK

16th Annual Sunflower Balloon Fest May 10-11-12, 2013 Sponsored by Anthony Chamber of Commerce and Shell Oil Co. For Information | Anthony Chamber of Commerce P O Box 354 | Anthony KS 67003 620-842-5456 http://www.sunflowerballoonfest.com/

Ashland BalloonFest Thursday, Jun 27, 2013 - Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 Freer Field Feel the excitement and splendor of bold, colorful hot air balloons as they tower over you, then magically rise and soar away! Plus, enjoy lots of other activities: Balloon Glow, Balloon races, stage performances, sport tournaments, displays, exhibits, food and more. BalloonFest promises to be an outing with the entire family in mind. Everyone will enjoy the colorful Ashland skies as the hot air balloons fill the air for this memorable weekend. For more information go to www.ashlandohioballoonfest.com.

The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest was born as part of the 2004 Isle Fest, when local pilot Dena Winslow and Canadian pilot Wild Bill Whelan convinced the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce to give it a try. In addition to Dena and Bill, Doug Shippee from New Brunswick flew that first year. Isle Fest 2005 saw the expansion to five balloons and in 2006 the number of balloons rose to nine and Isle Fest was re-dubbed the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest. Since then the festival has continued to grow and has seen some of the best flying around. Pilot’s Wendell Purvis and Joel Jones claim that The County is one their favorite places to fly due to the beautiful landscapes and friendly folks. We tend to agree and we hope that in 2013 you’ll join our pilots as they paint the sky for the tenth year. Aroostook County also holds a place in ballooning history as the home to two famous Transatlantic Balloon Flights. In 1978, the Double Eagle II launched from Presque Isle and made the first successful crossing of the Atlantic. In 1984, Joe Kittinger became the first person to make the solo Transatlantic balloon journey, he launched from Caribou.

2013 Events will be posted as they become available. Balloon Fest Schedule of Events For 2012 Balloon Fest Home Page Schedule of Events Directions and Parking Videos Coming... August 16, 17 & 18, 2013 Friday, August 17 , 2012 3:00 pm Gates Open Craft Fair & Food Concessions Open 3:30 pm Opening Ceremony: Centralia High School Marching Showcase 4:30-7:00 pm "Fat Wallet" (Under Picnic Tent) 5:00 pm Balloonist Enter Park 6:00 pm BALLOON RACE 6:00 - 9:00 pm Tethered Balloon rides (Tentative) 7:30 pm BALLOON GLOW * 8:30-10:00 pm The Jorrell's (Main Stage) 10:00 pm FIREWORKS Saturday, August 18, 2012 6:00 am Gates & Some Concessions Open 6:30 am BALLOON RACE 9:00 am Craft Fair & All Concessions Open 10:00 am-4:00 pm Children’s Activity Area Opens (Free w/ paid admission) Inflatable activities from noon to 4:00 pm 10:00 am-7:00 pm Entertainment Under the Picnic Tent 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Balloon Fest Idol Rock Star 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Dale Arning (Guitar Music) 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm The BBRJ Young Musicians project 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm The Presswoods's: Ian & Alan 12:30-4:00 pm Car Show / Display 1:00 pm Centralia Martial Arts Academy Demonstration( So. of pond) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tethred Balloon Rides (Tentative) 7:30 pm BALLOON GLOW * 8:30-10:00 pm "Walkin' With Cash" (Johnny Cash Tribute on Main Stage) Sunday, August 19, 2012 6:00 am Gates Open & Some Concessions Open 6:30 am BALLOON RACE 8:00 am - 9:00 am Church Service (Under Picnic Tent) 9:00 am Craft Fair & All Concessions Open 9:30-10:30 am The Haneys - Gospel Music (Under Picnic Tent) 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Public Cardboard Boat Building (Catfish Pond) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Entertainment Under the Picnic Tent 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Gary Perry 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm "The Epics" 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm "Elvis Tribute" Leonard Pennypacker Noon-4:00 pm Children’s Activity Area Open (Free w/ paid admission ) Inflatable activities from noon to 4:00 pm 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm Corvette Club Car Display 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tethred Balloon Rides (Tentative) 2:30-3:15 pm Public Cardboard Boat Races (Catfish Pond) 6:00 pm Final BALLOON RACE * Balloon Glow is a registered trademark of the Albuquerque Balloon Festival Note: All balloon times are approximate and subject to change depending on weather conditions Tethered Balloon Rides Available, weather permitting Tickets: $10 for Adult, $5 for Children (All riders must sign release, under 18 signiture of parent) - Charter/Bus Parking Available. Call 1-888-533-2600 to Reserve a Space. - Be a Star! Enter Balloon Fest Idol!

As dusk falls over W.K. Kellogg Airport, some MAGICAL ILLUMINATIONS begin. During our "Balloon Illumes" the launch field will be lit up with the glowing burners of over 20 Hot-Air Balloons. This "picture-perfect" sight is something that you won't want to miss and will become one of your favorite family memories forever. http://www.BCBalloons.com. The Balloon Illumes also incorporate some audience participation. You will be asked to say "Twinkle" or "Light 'Em Up". When you say "Twinkle", the pilots will light their burners in spurts, causing them to twinkle. When you say "Light Em Up", the flame will stay lit and the grounds will light up. The "Balloon Illumes" are a fan-favorite part of the Field of Flight, year after year. There will be TWO Balloon Illumes throughout the course of the 2013 Event. These will be announced at a later date.

http://www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org/

Directions to the Festival The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning takes place every year at Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey Solberg Airport 39 Thor Solberg Rd Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-3114 US 28 miles from Trenton 42 miles from New York City 54 miles from Philadelphia View a Map of the Readington Area

This year mark’s 33 years of Ballooning in Plano, Texas. Join in the Celebration at the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival, a spectacular three-day event beginning at 4:00pm Friday, September 21st at Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074. This weekend event offers something for everyone; entertainment on the FOX 4 community stage and KLUV main stage, Saturday evening spectacular fireworks show, special kids activities, sky divers, an enormous variety of food to tempt your taste buds, merchandise and handmade products showcased, and of course the incredible hot air balloons. The balloons will launch Friday at 6:00pm, Saturday at 7:00am and 6:00pm, and Sunday at 7:00am and 6:00pm (weather permitting). The Festival Facts, Tickets, Schedule, Parking, Attractions, Map and FAQ’s pages provide event details regarding this year’s festival. If you are interested in performing at this year’s festival, please go to the Performers page for submission details. Should you have additional questions, click on the contact us page for our office phone number.

Welcome to the 2012 Flag City Balloonfest. This year’s Flag City Balloonfest, our 13th anniversary, is bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. We have expanded the event from 41 Hot Air Balloons last year, to over 50 Balloons from all over the country. We’ve also added many new “Special Shape” balloons that have become crowd favorites. And we’ve scheduled many new and fun events and activities over the weekend for all to enjoy. Visit our website www.flagcityballoonfest.com and check the schedule often as it is updated frequently. Each year the Flag City Balloonfest Committee works tirelessly to organize what has become Findlay’s Signature, and Most Popular annual event, and it is FREE to all who wish to attend. This is possible by the overwhelming local corporate sponsorship that increases year-to-year and allows the Balloonfest to continue to grow. Again we welcome First Federal Bank as our returning Presenting Sponsor. First Federal Bank has been a long-time supporter of the Flag City Balloonfest, as have most of our sponsors. Please visit the sponsor page on our website, and patronize these sponsors that support our community. They are truly the best of the best. The Hot Air Balloon Competition will be as intense as ever with the pilots competing for National Points and Cash Awards. 44 balloons will be entered into the competition event which includes three competition flights racing for targets that are located around the Greater Findlay area. These target locations are un-announced until just before each competition launch, and the pilots must make quick decisions for flight planning to achieve these targets. So pick your favorite balloon and pilot, and follow their progress over the weekend. When the balloons aren’t flying you can enjoy all the other activities going on over the weekend at Emory Adams Park. These include tethered balloon rides, helicopter rides over the City, Kids Fair with kid’s rides, pony rides, Car and Motorcycle show, 5K run, Corn Hole tournament, Wheelchair races, 25 food vendors, and many more exciting things to do and see. The ever popular evening “Glow” on Friday and Saturday night and, weather permitting, Fireworks show on Saturday evening after the Glow. And as we did last year, we hope to raise over $40,000.00 to benefit local charities. Bring the family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy Findlay’s most fun-filled weekend of the year. As we look to the sky at the colorful display over Findlay, keep your eyes peeled, as there is a strong rumor that the USAF may be flying over the City.

Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival July 12 — 14, 2013 Presenting and co-presenting sponsorships 2013 are available. Email kimd@stoweflake.com for information. Get Ready, Set, Launch! More than 25 hot-air balloons will soar through the sky during Stoweflake 27th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon Festival, July 12-14, 2013. One of Vermont’s most popular summer celebrations, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa will once again host the spectacular three-day event. The Festival will kick-off on Friday, July 12 at 4 p.m. with a twilight balloon launch at 6:30 p.m. The event will continue with sunrise launches at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, and a second twilight launch at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. Viewing the morning launches is complimentary for all visitors. Admission for the evening festival events is $10 (children 12 and under are admitted for free). A small fee applies for some children's activities. Located at the AAA Four-Diamond Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, this 27th Anniversary celebration will include a children’s corner with a variety of activities (nominal fees may apply), live entertainment, delicious food and a beer and wine garden. Festival attendees are welcome to join in the fun; hot-air balloon rides are priced at $275 per person, plus tax, and advanced reservations are recommended. Tethered rides on the hot-air balloons may be available for $10 per person. Reservations are not required. Musicians and friends Jim Charonko and Jeff Nicholson will also be entertaining us this year playing classic folk and rock music along with some of their original songs. Jim has been a local legend on the local music scene (and otherwise) for over 20 years. Jeff is also a local singer/songwriter and now has two independently released CD's of original material. They will begin playing at 5 p.m. both Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13. For more information, call 802.253.7355, ext. 5538.

For 2013, we will again feature world class air shows .....day and night! We're planning on amazing Balloon Glows on Friday and Saturday evenings, with formation flying Aeroshell T-6's planes circling overhead and leading into the night air shows. The 25 hot-air balloons are scheduled to carry passengers on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and the carnival, the 4-H Animal Encounter, and the inspiring Inspiration Village will keep visitors of all ages entertained, excited, and smiling! Airplane, balloon, and helicopter rides always are popular, and big crowds are always around the live music on the 80,000-watt stage. Check out the extra-special ride opportunities – in a B-25 bomber or in the original American Airlines DC-3... See the RIDES page. PLAN YOUR VISIT TO NEW SMYRNA BEACH NOW ! DONATE to Balloon & Sky Fest Foundation Inc. Your tax deductible donations go to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties.

WELCOME to the 4th Annual Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair. In a short 2 years, the Havasu Balloon Festival has become the largest January balloon festival! Come play with us at our family-centered event for a thrilling weekend of spectacular hot air balloons, and non-stop activities. Dramatic eye candy in the sky will delight all with balloon ascensions, colorful skydivers and magical balloon glows in the evening dusk. Over 50 balloons will be drifting over The London Bridge and dipping into Lake Havasu. Even with 30,000 - 50,000 attendees expected, there will still be plenty of room for families and friends to gather on our expansive balloon field and vendor area. Everyone has a chance to stroll among the many Balloons and chat with the pilots as they prepare for flight. Imagine if you will, taking a walk inside an actual full-sized balloon that is lying on its side.

2012-2014. For spectators in East Texas, the BFA U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship presented by Curves and the Great Texas Balloon Race will mean more balloons flying overhead for longer than ever before. A total of 70 or more balloons will color the summer skies above Longview for an entire week, beginning on Monday morning and continuing through the following Sunday. Those pilots will be competing for a total prize purse of $60,000 and the opportunity to go on to represent the U.S. in World Champion competition BFA U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship

Balloon Classic Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks Event Details Time 4:00 p.m. Days Friday, Saturday and Sunday - July 19, 20 and 21 Location Kent State University at Stark/Stark State College Balloon Classic Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks FAQ BALLOON CLASSIC/FOOD FEST & FIREWORKS WERE FANTASTIC! http://www.profootballhoffestival.com/balloon-classic-invitational Thanks for joining us at the 2012 Balloon Classic/Jackson-Belden Food Fest! There were dozens of food and beverage vendors, musical entertainment, mobile tours, and children’s activities at both the Balloon Classic and Jackson-Belden Food Fest areas. The Canton Regional and Jackson-Belden Chambers of Commerce continue to collaborate to create a fantastic event with the Food Fest under the umbrella of the Enshrinement Festival!

Information For Pilots To request a Pilot Application for 2013 send email to info@ashlandohioballoonfest.com November 1, 2012 – March 30, 2013. June 27-June 30, 2013. Enjoy the colorful Ashland skies as the hot air balloons fill the air for this memorable weekend. Balloonfest promises to be an outing with the entire family in mind. Delight yourself in the festivities! Each year you attend you will have a new experience to treasure for years to come. Entertainment, music, shows, and food are all part of the nonstop activities. Freer Field – 1256 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805

Celebrating our 25th Year June 13, 14, 15, 16 The Allegheny College, Robertson Field is a non-smoking facility (no smoking is allowed on property) THURSTON CLASSIC HOT AIR EVENT THURSDAY June 13, 2013 9:00 pm (approximate time based on dusk and weather) Night Glow The night glow will be at dusk, (approximately 9:00 pm based on dusk and weather). We recommend that you arrive early and join in the festivities. Please bring a blanket, chairs and a light jacket Food and Drinks will be available Official Thurston Classic souvenirs on sale Handicap parking is provided. Please remember that your donations are needed for this event to continue. FRIDAY June 14, 2013 6:00pm Sponsor's Flight We recommend that you arrive early and join in the festivities. Please bring a blanket, chairs and a light jacket Food and Drinks will be available Official Thurston Classic souvenirs on sale Handicap parking is provided. Please remember that your donations are needed for this event to continue. SATURDAY June 15, 2013 7:00am Race #1 Balloons will be flying over a target at the Allegheny College, Robertson Soccer Field from outlying areas and pilots will attempt to toss a bean bag at a specific target on the ground from their balloons. Please bring a blanket, chairs and a light jacket Light breakfast will be available Official Thurston Classic souvenirs on sale Handicap parking is provided. Please remember that your donations are needed for this event to continue. SATURDAY June 15, 2013 6:00pm Race #2 Balloons will be lifting off from Allegheny College, Robertson Soccer Field and pilots will fly to outlying target areas that is kept secret until the start of the flight and attempt to drop a beanbag on a target. Please bring a blanket, chairs and a light jacket Food and Drinks will be available Official Thurston Classic souvenirs on sale Handicap parking is provided. Please remember that your donations are needed for this event to continue. SUNDAY June 16, 2013 7:00am Race #3 Pilots will again be flying into the Allegheny College, Robertson Soccer Field and trying to hit a target on the ground with bean bags tossed from their balloons. Please bring a blanket, chairs and a light jacket Light breakfast will be available Official Thurston Classic souvenirs on sale Handicap parking is provided. Please remember that your donations are needed for this event to continue. All balloon air events take place at Allegheny College, Robertson Athletic Complex All Balloon Launches are subject to weather conditions. Unsuitable weather conditions could cause cancellation or delays. All times are approximate.

Schedule of Events - Next Event start in 290 Days, 14 Hours, 27 Minutes This is a great page to bookmark for the latest information on Pirates of the Canyon Balloon Rally in Amarillo, Texas For tips of viewing the balloons and enjoying your experience, please visit our Page. October 25, 2013 7:00 AM 9:00 AM Press in the Canyon Palo Duron Canyon Public is welcome. Please email the Press Coordinator at pirates@piratesofthecanyon.com for press reservations. 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 8th Annual Amarillo Glows John Stiff Park, Amarillo, Texas Hot Air Balloon Glow in Amarillo. Balloons will inflate after dark and use there fire burners to light up the night sky next to McDonald Lake nestled in John Stiff Park. Gates open at 5:00 PM and admission is free. Please come out and mingle with the Pilots and Crews as they set up to dazzle your eyes and cameras with a beautiful show. Dress warmly as the nights can get cold. October 26, 2013 7:00 AM 9:30 AM Hoist Your Colors - Mass Ascension John Stiff Park, Amarillo, Texas There will be a Pilot Competition flight. It is considered a Har and Hound contest where one pilot will take off from the field and all the other balloon pilots objectives are to follow his flying and drop a bean bag closest to his landing spot. It is a true challenge of piloting skills, especially in West Texas. 2:00 PM 3:30 PM Trick or Treat John Stiff Park, Amarillo, Texas Come meet all the Balloon Pilots as the prepare to gracefull float across Amarillo. Now is the publics time to mingle amongst all the pilots and crews, get your Program autographed and see these graceful giants lift off and fly over Amarillo. October 27, 2013 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 8th Annual Pirates of the Canyon Palo Duron Canyon Come join us as the sunrises over the Palo Duro Canyon and 30 Balloons lift off from the Amphitheatre Auxiliary Parking Log. Please come early as the traffic flow into and out of the canyon does get congested. Park Officials will open the gates at 6:00 AM for early entry and balloons will start inflating shortly after 7:00 AM

The 7th Annual Celina Balloon Festival and Family Fun Day is set for September 13-15, 2013 Event Schedule Fri 09-13: 5-10pm Sat 09-14: 7am- 11pm Sun 09-15: 7am- 5pm * Wind and weather permitting. All times subject to change. Rides, games, vendor food and items additional. http://www.celinaballoonfestival.com/

"Fly Me to the Moon" http://www.wwvchamber.com/pages/WallaWallaBalloonStampede Save the Date! May 10, 11, & 12, 2013 Walla Walla County Fairgrounds 9th Ave & Orchard St, Walla Walla Featuring daily launches at 6:30am, Main Stage entertainment, Friday night Champagne Reception, Friday night Dance Party, Saturday Car Show, Nite Glow, Saturday night Dance Party, Pancake Breakfast, & much, much more! Fabulous food, arts & crafts, merchandise, and kid's zone. Festival Hours: Friday: 3pm - 9pm Saturday: 8am - 11pm Sunday: 8am - 3pm

Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival Hosted by Turf Valley in Ellicott City Maryland May 16-18, 2013 Twenty Five Hot Air Balloons - 3 Days - 4 Events http://www.ballooningusa.com/preakness/index.php

http://www.ballunarfestival.com/dschedule.asp Dear Pilots, You are cordially invited to apply for the 19th annual RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival . We are looking forward to a weekend filled with fun competitive balloon flights and a large variety of other aviation related activities. The event is open to all to apply, however, priority will be given to those who have previously attended and who helped build this event into what it has become today. Registration will take place on Thursday September 27th with the competitive competition beginning Friday morning September 28th during the media flight. Our host hotel will once again be the Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake. We are excited to announce that the event will once again be BFA sanctioned while hosting the BFA Southwest Regional Championships. Please register without delay since we will be filling up quickly. I look forward to seeing everyone again this September at the 2012 RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival. Soft Landings, Steve Lombardi Competition Director steve@remaxtexas.com

Information http://www.tvbwf.com/information/ The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival offers top-name entertainment, wine tasting in the Wine Garden, Kids Faire, Arts & Crafts and Commercial exhibits and the Food Court. Wine tasting features different premium wines from numerous Temecula Valley wineries as well as others from Southern California. Enjoy a memorable experience and book a hot air balloon flight. Your journey will begin at sunrise as the balloon lifts gently into the sapphire skies above Lake Skinner.